Throughout 2015 we'll be rifling through the archives here at The Daily Constitutional, pulling out a few plums from our past. Here's what we were on about back on the 30th January 2009…
We love London. Of course we do. But before we get all misty eyed, and in the interests of balance, David brings us this rather uncomplimentary view of our great metropolis. The accompanying illustration (above) shows a man, like the one below, who has recently grown tired of London (R.I.P). Over to you, David:“Welcome back, boys and girls. Here's a nasty little man named Richard dissing our town...
‘I do not at all like that city. All sorts of men crowd together there from every country under the heavens. Each race brings its own vices and its own customs to the city. No one lives in it without falling into some sort of crimes. Every quarter of it abounds in grave obscenities...Whatever evil or malicious thing that can be found in any part of the world, you will find in that one city. Do not associate with the crowds of pimps; do not mingle with the throngs in the eating-houses; avoid dice and gambling, the theater and the tavern. You will meet with more braggarts there than in all France; the number of parasites is infinite. Acrobats, jesters, smooth-skinned lads, Moors, flatterers, pretty boys, effeminates, pederasts, singing and dancing girls, quacks, belly-dancers, sorceresses, extortioners, night-wanderers, magicians, mimes, beggars, buffoons: all this tribe fill all the houses. Therefore, if you do not want to dwell with evil doers, do not live in London.’
Thanks Richard of Devizes. No prizes for guessing that Rorty Richard was from parts elsewhere; Winchester to be exact; he was a monk at St. Swithin's house there. Late 12th century.”
Go on one of David’s walks and ask him all about LONDON STORIES, the London Walks book. Find him in Kensington, Hampstead or on the banks of the Thames.
A London Walk costs £9 – £7 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
